Study design: Before and after investigation of the effects of a wheelchair ergometer Training programme. Objective: To investigate the effects of an original interval-training programme on work capacity and cardiorespiratory variables with spinal cord-injured persons (SCIP's) on a wheelchairspecific ergometer. Setting: BESANCON, FRANCE. Methods: Seven SCIP's (male) performed 45 min of wheelchair ergometry three times per week, for 6 weeks. Training effects on maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied by comparison of performance and cardiorespiratory responses observed during both a maximal progressive test (10 W/2 min) and the same training session performed before and after training. Results: Training induced significant improvements in maximal tolerated power (+19.6%), in peak oxygen consumption ðV O 2 ; þ16%Þ, and in oxygen pulse (O 2p ,+18.7%). At ventilatory threshold, significant improvements were also observed in power output (+63%), V o 2 VT ðþ34:1Þ; ventilation V E VT ðþ37:1%Þ; and O 2p VT ðþ19:9%Þ. Heart rate and ventilation were significantly lower (À11 and À14.6%, respectively) after training at the same work rate, while V O 2 was unchanged. Between the first and the last training session, the total physical work was improved by 24.7%, whereas heart rate was unchanged. Conclusion: An interval-training programme individualised to each paraplegic subject using a wheelchair ergometer can significantly improve the fitness level and endurance capacity.

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